[dgack]

I think Soup nailed it, pretty much. This year's defense isn't producing spectacular, game-breaking plays, like the '05 unit did. It's a "bend but don't break" defense that is much more balanced.

Our offense in '05 was pretty much one-dimensional and we really depended on the defense to win games for us by the time we made our playoff run, whereas right now our offense is actually able to move the chains.

The biggest difference has to be in momentum, though. We were definitely tired and running out of gas in '05, seemed like we were jogging through the finish line instead of sprinting because we just didn't have the gas. This season we're peaking right at the end of the season on both sides of the ball.

This year we have been hit hard with injuries (and one unbelievable tragedy) this season to be sure, but we are also getting outstanding play from young guys and unheralded FA's which we weren't getting as much of in '05. Maybe it's just that the injuries happened early enough to allow the new guys time to grow into their new roles.